What Size Furnace Do I Need?

  1. Woman relaxing on couch

A lot goes into choosing the right furnace for your home. You have to take into account the size of your house, how well insulated it is, and other factors to choose the right system size. If you’re asking “what size furnace do I need,” don’t worry – Mission Mechanical is here to help. In this post, we’ll explain what factors go into calculating the size of a furnace and how you can ensure your new electric or gas furnace is the right size.

What Does Furnace Size Mean?

If you’re shopping for a new heating unit, have you ever wondered what furnace size actually means? It turns out, furnace size refers to the furnace’s heating capacity rather than its physical size. 

Furnace capacity is measured in British thermal units, or BTUs, in 20,000 BTU increments. BTUs measure the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The average furnace size for a home can range from 80,000 to 120,000 BTUs. 

What Size Furnace Do I Need?

The exact furnace size that’s right for you will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the climate you live in, and your family’s heating needs. 

As you shop for a new heating system, you may have heard the term “Manual J calculation.” What is a Manual J calculation, and how is it used to determine furnace size? 

Simply put, a Manual J calculation is a way of determining the heating needs of a home. This calculation takes into account factors such as the size of the home, the insulation levels, the number of windows, the type of construction, and many other elements. By taking all of these factors into account, a heating contractor can determine the capacity that a furnace will need to be able to meet the heating demands of the home. This information is then used to select the appropriate size furnace for the home. 

Ensure Your New Furnace Is the Right Size

When it comes time to buy a new furnace, be sure to consult with a qualified HVAC technician to find out the size furnace you need. While there are other methods of furnace sizing, the Manual J calculation is generally accepted as being the most accurate. As a result, most contractors will use this method when determining furnace size. Beware of using an online furnace sizing calculator that only considers the home’s square footage of your house – these tools aren’t taking into consideration the many other factors that impact your home’s heating.

Find Your New Furnace Today

Mission Mechanical can help you determine the size furnace you need for proper furnace efficiency and comfort in your home. We provide free quotes for new furnace installations in the Central Indiana area, so contact us today to get started. We’ll work with you to find the perfect furnace for your needs and budget, and we’ll take care of everything from installation to maintenance so you can enjoy years of efficient heating comfort. With our help, you can be sure to keep your family warm all winter long.

Posted in: